Marijuana In The Governor's Mansion: Record Number Of Candidates Say Legalize It

As polls continue to show that a growing majority of voters support legalizing marijuana, more and more politicians are beginning to embrace the issue, and this year's midterm elections provide the latest datapoint in the ongoing evolution of cannabis into a mainstream political issue.

At least 21 major party gubernatorial nominees on U.S. ballots this year support legalizing cannabis, a new Marijuana Moment analysis finds. That's far more than have embraced marijuana law reform than in any previous election cycle.

Some of the candidates listed below support legalization more forcefully than others. While some have made cannabis reform a centerpiece of their campaigns, others seemed to embrace ending prohibition only reluctantly or when pressed on the issue.

Beyond those would-be governors who are calling for a complete end to marijuana prohibition, a large number of additional contenders support reforms like decriminalization or medical marijuana, and others say they are open to legalization at some point.

While the two sitting governors listed below who have actually signed marijuana legalization bills into law are Republicans, this review found that Democratic contenders are much more likely to support cannabis reform than are GOP candidates, perhaps a reflection of the fact that while a bare majority of Republican voters now support ending prohibition, registered Democrats have been more strongly in favor for a longer period of time, according to polls.

This analysis focuses on major party candidates who have made their positions on marijuana clear over the course of their primary and general election campaigns, and doesn't include a comprehensive look at the records of every single contender in each of the 39 gubernatorial races in states and U.S. territories this year.

Gubernatorial Candidates Who Support Legalizing Marijuana

California - Gavin Newsom (D)

As the state's lieutenant governor, Newsom became one of the first prominent mainstream Democrats to endorse legalization when he told the New York Times in 2012 that "these laws just don’t make sense anymore" and "it’s time for politicians to come out of the closet on this."

He later empaneled a blue ribbon commission on cannabis whose report informed the drafting of the state's successful 2016 legalization ballot measure, for which Newsom actively campaigned.

On November 8, you have the opportunity to vote for the Adult Use of Marijuana Act in CA (regulate and tax marijuana) - Vote YES on Prop 64

He has since taken a forceful stance in response to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions's rescission of Obama-era protections for state marijuana laws, signaling that he would vigorously fight any federal move to interfere with California's legalization policies.

"States rights" is nothing more than a catch phrase to Jeff Sessions. CA overwhelmingly voted to legalize marijuana. Sick and tired of elected officials who lack the courage to stand up for those that are unjustly targeted by the failed war on drugs. The time to speak out is now. pic.twitter.com/Pnj4rsKYF9

As a congressman since 2009, Polis has consistently been one of the most active cannabis reform supporters on Capitol Hill, sponsoring or cosponsoring dozens of marijuana-related bills and amendments concerning issues like banking access, fair taxation, hemp and military veterans' access to medical cannabis.

While he did not publicly campaign for the state's marijuana legalization measure prior to its passage in 2012, he has since embraced it wholeheartedly.

Excited about strong statement from CO and WA voters that the drug war has failed & it's time to b reasonable & regulate marijuana

He also said that cannabis is "not a gateway drug compared to opioids" and that he'd use tax revenue from legal sales to fund drug treatment programs.

Florida - Andrew Gillum (D)

The Tallahassee mayor said during his successful primary campaign that he was “proud to be the first candidate in this race to support legalizing marijuana.”

I’m proud to be the first candidate in this race to support legalizing marijuana. I did so because it is the right thing to do – I didn’t need a poll to tell me how to lead on such an important criminal justice issue. pic.twitter.com/3MdLBNlTfB

Gillum sent a blast to his email list proposing to fund teacher salary raises with legal marijuana tax revenue.

"We could raise anywhere from $900 million to $1 billion in new annual revenue — and that doesn’t include new economic activity from people no longer incarcerated for simple possession crimes, or low-level marijuana offenses," he wrote in a separate blog post.

One of his campaign ads flashed the words "legalize marijuana" on screen along with other policy proposals.

Georgia - Stacey Abrams (D)

The former minority leader of the state House of Representatives confirmed in a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" session that she's a "yes" on legalizing marijuana, adding that "this includes building a statewide network of mental health and substance abuse treatment centers."

Abrams also backs decriminalizing marijuana possession.

I support decriminalization of marijuana, legalization of medical marijuana and local cultivation of medical marijuana. Once we have established a strong substance abuse network, I am open to legalization for recreational use.

During a Democratic primary debate, she said there's "nothing wrong" with legalization

Addressing legalization in a Facebook Live interview with the Idaho Statesman, she said, "the numbers that have been very beneficial to other states when it comes down to resources for education."

Illinois - J.B. Pritzker (D)

A billionaire venture capitalist, Pritzker made supporting marijuana legalization a centerpiece of his gubernatorial primary campaign and has since continued to focus on the issue amidst his general election battle with incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner (R).

"We can begin by immediately removing one area of racial injustice in our criminal justice system," he said during his primary night victory speech. "Let's legalize, tax and regulate marijuana."

Earlier this year he held a press conference outside of a medical cannabis dispensary to push back on anti-marijuana signals coming from the Trump administration.

In the name of criminal justice reform, consumer safety, and increased state revenue, Illinois needs a governor who is ready to legalize marijuana in our state.

“I also support legalizing and taxing recreational use of marijuana, which is estimated to generate as much as $700 million a year for the state," he wrote in a candidate questionnaire. "No more studies are needed to show it’s time for Illinois to safely move forward and legalize marijuana. As governor, I will modernize drug laws and move Illinois towards a criminal justice system that gives all Illinoisans a chance to reach their full potential."

Pritzker has also highlighted racial disparities in cannabis enforcement.

“Criminalizing marijuana hasn’t made our communities safer, but has disproportionately impacted black and brown communities," he said. "The criminalization of cannabis never has been and never will be enforced fairly, and it’s time to bring that to an end. To right past wrongs, we also have to commute sentences of people in prison who are there for marijuana offenses.”

As governor, I will stand up to Donald Trump’s attacks on Illinois communities, legalize marijuana, and modernize sentencing guidelines to create a criminal justice system that gives all Illinoisans a chance to reach their full potential.

Currently the state attorney general, Mills said that "properly implemented, marijuana legalization has the potential to create thousands of jobs, grow the Maine economy, and end an outdated war on drugs."

In light of the fact that Maine voters already approved legal cannabis in 2016, she has joined officials from other states in "calling on Congress to allow banks and credit unions to serve state-licensed marijuana businesses without penalty, ending the cash-based shadow economy that still haunts states who have legalized marijuana," she said.

(5/8) I agree with Diane Russell that Augusta needs to respect the will of the voters, from Ranked Choice Voting to legalizing marijuana.#mepolitics

"It’s a great win-win," he said in an interview with Marijuana Moment. "And it’s rare in politics, but it’s also urgently needed. We know that we have to end mass incarceration—and yet go further. We have to really get back to opening up the gates of opportunity for all of our children. And by legalizing cannabis, we get to make progress on both fronts."

Massachusetts - Jay Gonzalez (D)

The former state secretary of administration and finance says that the "people have spoken and we have an obligation as a state to implement the [legal marijuana] law as passed by the voters," adding that it should be done "quickly" but in a way that keeps "public safety at the forefront."

Calling federal interference with state marijuana policies "a problem," he said that "our governor should be standing up vociferously and advocating against" any intervention with the commonwealth's cannabis laws.

He also supports requiring insurance programs to cover medical cannabis.

More people died from overdoses in the 1st half of 2018 than in the 1st half of 2017. Let that sink in. We've got to do more to tackle this crisis. I will. I'll invest in more treatment, support SIFs & require coverage for medical marijuana to treat pain. https://t.co/W7j0NUGhvj

The former state lawmaker says she will vote "yes" on the marijuana legalization measure on Michigan's November ballot.

I will be a 'Yes' vote on legalizing recreational marijuana. We have an opportunity to do this right. When we legalize marijuana, we need a governor who will tax it and regulate it so that we can #fixthedamnroads#midemdebate

Whitmer says that she also supported the state's medical cannabis ballot measure in 2008 and that it can be used an an "exit drug" away from opioids.

Minnesota - Tim Walz (D)

The sitting congressman wants to "replace the current failed policy with one that creates tax revenue, grows jobs, builds opportunities for Minnesotans, protects Minnesota kids, and trusts adults to make personal decisions based on their personal freedoms."

He even tweeted his support for legalization on April 20, the unofficial cannabis holiday.

Today seems to be a good time to reinforce that I support creating a tax-and-regulate system for adult use marijuana in Minnesota.

He has also pushed back against potential federal intervention in state marijuana laws.

While the VA moves (slowly) in the right direction, AG Jeff Sessions is dead set on overruling states that have legalized recreational or medical cannabis, including MN. I'll keep fighting alongside the 83% of vets & caregivers who support legalizing medical cannabis nationally. https://t.co/b6LkoPvxYP

Sisolak has also spoken at a number of cannabis events and even appeared at the grand opening of a marijuana dispensary.

If you can dream it, they can build it in Vegas! So great to speak to this incredible crowd gathered here for the grand opening of @Planet13. What a great example of what our cannabis industry can bring to this state! pic.twitter.com/MBByGMCEoT

"It’s also time for New Hampshire to join other New England states in legalizing, regulating and generating revenue from marijuana," the former state senator says on her campaign website.

During a debate with incumbent Gov. Chris Sununu (R), who signed marijuana decriminalization into law but opposes broader legalization, Kelly argued that cannabis is not a gateway drug.

“I do support legalizing, regulating and taxing marijuana,” she said. “It is not a gateway to other drugs. In fact, I believe that legalizing and regulating marijuana will bring it out of the dark and away from drug dealers.”

New Mexico - Michelle Lujan Grisham (D)

The current congresswoman has spoken in support of legalization during debates and elsewhere on the campaign trial, arguing that cannabis is “not a gateway drug.”

Arguing during one debate that legalization would bring “hundreds of millions of dollars to New Mexico’s economy,” Lujan Grisham said she would be “inclined to sign” a bill as long as it effectively regulates edibles, fosters workplace safety, limits underage consumption and protects the current medical cannabis program.

“The states that have gone to recreational marijuana have been very clear that it’s an economic boost for their states," she said.

She has also focused on medical cannabis as an alternative to opioids.

Opioid addiction is an epidemic that is tearing New Mexico families apart. As my third Leadership in Action Initiative, I will immediately direct the Department of Health to add opioid addiction as a condition to qualify for medical cannabis treatment. #nmpolpic.twitter.com/v4fTSO5Bp5

The incumbent governor, who was calling marijuana a "gateway drug" as recently as last year, changed his mind about legalization in a big way over the course of 2018.

Facing a vigorous primary election challenge from the pro-legalization actor Cynthia Nixon, Cuomo revised his approach—whether as a result of political necessity or genuine personal evolution on the topic.

Early in the year, noting that neighboring states are moving to end prohibition, the governor directed the New York Health Department to undergo a study of legalization, the result of which was a report that concluded the "positive effects" of ending cannabis prohibition "outweigh the potential negative impacts."

It's true that Cuomo hasn't yet explicitly stated, "I support legalizing marijuana," but his evolution on the issue is clear, and his moves as governor this year—in particular his directive for a panel to actually write a legalization bill to be voted in the next legislative session—have carved a path for the state to be among the next to end prohibition.

Ohio - Richard Cordray (D)

While the former state attorney general and head of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been reluctant to embrace marijuana reform for most of the campaign, he did finally say he'd personally vote for a legalization measure when pressed during a debate.

“When it goes to the ballot, I will cast my vote yes to legalize it,” he said.

Cordray previously had spoken about improving implementation of the state's medical cannabis law and said that he would implement the will of voters if they approved legalization on the ballot. But he also distanced himself from a failed 2015 measure that was opposed even by many legalization advocates who were concerned with its provisions granting control of cultivation to the same investors who paid to put it on the ballot.

“As Governor, Rich Cordray will fix the botched implementation of Ohio’s medical marijuana program to ensure that patients have access to the medicine they need in a safe and affordable manner,” a campaign spokesperson told Marijuana Moment in an interview earlier this year. “He also thinks that the last marijuana ballot referendum failed partly because it was a flawed proposal. He supports voters’ right to propose a new referendum and will follow the will of the voters if it comes to a vote.”

Cordray has also talked about medical cannabis as an alternative to opioids.

Oregon - Kate Brown (D)

The incumbent governor has pushed back against federal threats to interfere with the legalization law that her state's voters approved in 2014, saying that it has created a "thriving economy."

"We are implementing the will of the voters here in a way that is successful for the economy," she said in a press conference earlier this year. "The priority of the policy is to keep our children safe and to make sure that we keep marijuana off the black markets. It's been successful here. We want to continue that path."

"This is a job creator for Oregon," she added.

Reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will roll back federal marijuana policy are deeply concerning & disruptive to Oregon's economy. Oregon voters were clear when they chose to legalize the sale of marijuana & the fed govt shouldn't stand in the way https://t.co/3ax9EvdGGE

The former CEO of the Vermont Electric Cooperative wants to expand the state's existing noncommercial legalization of marijuana to allow for regulated and taxed sales.

"We don't know where our marijuana is coming from, what it's been grown with, or what it's been sprayed with," she said during a debate with incumbent Gov. Phil Scott (R), who signed the limited legalization bill into law but is wary of adding commercial cannabis sales. "Worse yet, you could see situations like New York, where it's cut with other things of addictive and dangerous properties."

In an interview with Heady Vermont, Hallquist pledged to "work with the legislature to ensure that a tax and regulate system was passed into law in my first term."

For now, Scott opposes going further by adding legal sales, and seemed to only reluctantly sign the noncommercial legalization bill after previously vetoing an earlier version.

Still, he gets pro-legalization credit for being the first governor in the nation's history to put his name on a bill to end cannabis prohibition; all other states that have legalized so far have done so via ballot measures that didn't require gubernatorial action.

Other Candidates Who Don't Support Full Legalization Still Back Some Cannabis Reforms

A number of other major-party nominees who aren't ready to endorse legalization have said that they have an open mind on the issue or are already in support of simple marijuana decriminalization or allowing medical cannabis.

In Alabama, Democrat Walt Maddox is in favor of medical cannabis and wants to study the effects of marijuana legalization in other states. "There's going to be a lot of data over the next years that's going to be collected so that if and we can potentially move forward with this, we do so in a thoughtful, strategic way," he said.

I do support the legalization of medical marijuana - I know from my work in the legislature what it can do for children with epilepsy. What we do need to do is address our sentencing guidelines #ksleg#ksgov

Nebraska Democratic candidate Bob Krist said that legalizing medical cannabis is "is right on top of my list."

Drew Edmondson, the Democratic candidate in Oklahoma, says he voted for the state's successful medical cannabis ballot measure but that he doesn't believe the state is ready for full legalization.

Let me be clear: I voted yes on 788 because the science is in and I believe it can help cancer patients, veterans and chronic pain sufferers. I don't believe we're ready for full legalization, but I will always respect the will of the voters.

In Rhode Island, incumbent Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) and Republican challenger Allan Fung say they are both open to legalization, even if they don't currently endorse it. Fung said he would put the question on the ballot for voters to decide.

South Carolina Democratic contender James Smith supports legalizing medical cannabis and has sponsored legislation to do so as a state representative.

Medical cannabis: @JamesSmithSC favors its careful legalization because he knows what it can do for fellow veterans with PTSD. He knows these veterans; he knows their suffering... #scgovdebate

Karl Dean, the Democratic candidate in Tennessee, said he would sign medical marijuana into law.

Karl knows we need to listen to the medical profession when it comes to medical marijuana. If they're saying it will alleviate pain and suffering for certain patients, then the government shouldn't stand in the way of that. -Team Dean pic.twitter.com/4aGnnvs0pQ

In Texas, incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott (R) expressed support for some form of marijuana decriminalization during a recent debate with Democratic challenger Lupe Valdez, who backs medical cannabis expansion as well as putting a referendum on full marijuana legalization before voters.

Wisconsin Democratic nominee Tony Evers says he's "not opposed to" legalization. "I'd support it," he said, "but I do believe there has to be a more thoughtful, rigorous conversation around it as a state. So I would love to have a statewide referendum on this."

During a debate with incumbent Gov. Scott Walker (R), who opposes cannabis reform, Evers noted the fact that nearly half the state's residents will vote on nonbinding marijuana advisory questions this year and said he is "willing to take a look at that, the results of those referenda and possibly support legalization." In the meantime, he supports decriminalization and his website says he "would support and sign medical marijuana legalization legislation."

Wyoming Democratic candidate Mary Throne voted for marijuana decriminalization as a state lawmaker and also supports medical cannabis.

What Does It Mean? Marijuana Is Mainstream

It is a near certainty that America will have more pro-legalization governors when new state legislative sessions convene next year. That means that legislators will be more likely to invest time into drafting, hearing and voting on marijuana bills to send to governors' desks.

While a growing number of Republican voters—and as a consequence, GOP politicians—are beginning to embrace cannabis reform, it is now clear that supporting full marijuana legalization is a mainstream consensus position in the Democratic Party. And that will have implications as the 2020 presidential race heats up in earnest immediately following the midterms.